By Joseph muyingo
The long-awaited transition at the helm of the Tooro Kingdom has finally taken place, with Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma officially enthroned as Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, the new king of Tooro.
The coronation ceremony is being held today, September 29, 2026, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal, bringing together members of the royal family, cultural leaders, government officials, religious leaders and thousands of subjects.
The ceremony follows the death of the former Omukama, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died in August at the age of 34 after more than three decades on the throne.
Nyabongo I was selected by the Babiito royal clan and subsequently endorsed by the Tooro Kingdom’s Supreme Council as Oyo’s successor.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is attending the coronation as the chief guest, marking his return to Karuziika Palace for a major Tooro royal ceremony after years away.
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His presence adds national significance to the historic ceremony as Tooro begins a new chapter following the death of King Oyo.
The coronation also comes after weeks of discussions and controversy surrounding the succession, with members of Oyo’s family raising questions about who should inherit the throne. The Babiito clan, however, proceeded with the succession process and selected Kijanangoma in accordance with the kingdom’s traditional procedures. �
For the Batooro, the enthronement marks the beginning of a new reign and a transition from a period of mourning to renewed focus on the preservation of Tooro’s culture, traditions and unity.
